Evaluation of Efficacy of topical application of Terbinafine Cream 1% in the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of co-administration of topical Terbinafine cream 1% with Glucantime intralesional injection, with co-administration of panthenol cream with Glucantime intralesional injection in the treatment of cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL).

Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 44 patients with a diagnosis of CL were enrolled. 44 patients of them completed the study and they were instructed to apply either Terbinafine cream 1% (22 patients) after the Glucantime intralesional injection session or panthenol cream (22 patients) after the Glucantime intralesional injection, once daily to the affected skin lesion. The clinical response of CL lesions was assessed  at 0,2,4,6,and 8 weeks of the treatment. The relapse was assessed  at 10 and 14 weeks. Secondary efficacy measures included patient assessment of adverse events.

Results: Statistically there was no difference between the two groups in achieving the complete cure at the end of treatment. There was no statistical difference regarding the time needed for achieving complete cure of the lesions. The rate of adverse events was higher in the terbinafine group, but there was no significant difference between the groups.

Conclusions: According to our study, the co-administration of topical Terbinafine cream 1% with Glucantime intralesional injection showed no efficacy in comparison with Glucantime intralesional injection alone in the treatment of CL.